American Studies
American Studies combines AP US History and English III AP Language to create a daily two hour cultural experience that enables students to simultaneously investigate the connections between literature and history. Students will explore the history of the United States with special emphasis placed on the study of rhetorical styles and structures of important historical documents and readings. The course focuses on cultural accomplishments as manifested in art, architecture, literature, music and other visual media. Students will learn and practice the craft of writing through various products, eventually focusing on the essay formats necessary for success on both the AP US History and AP English Language exams. American literature of all genres will be incorporated into the curriculum within the structure of historical study and will be used as a method of enhancing the depiction of historical time periods. At the culmination of the class, students may choose to take both the AP US History and/or the AP English Language and Composition exam to possibly earn college credit.